Home building insurance claim
Estimate your payout for storm, fire, flood or accidental damage to your home structure
Claim details
Estimated payout
—
after excess
Repair cost
—
claimed amount
Excess payable
—
your contribution
Underinsurance
—
risk level
Claim breakdown
Estimated repair/rebuild cost
—
Less policy excess
—
Underinsurance reduction
Sum insured is less than rebuild value
—
Estimated claim payout
—
💡 What to do next
—
⚠️ Important disclaimer
This estimate is based on general principles. Your actual payout depends on your specific policy wording, the insurer's assessment and any policy conditions. Always review your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and contact your insurer or broker.
Contents insurance claim
Estimate your payout for stolen, damaged or destroyed household contents
Claim details
Estimated payout
—
after excess
Items value
—
replacement cost
Excess payable
—
your contribution
Depreciation
—
if indemnity cover
Contents claim breakdown
Total replacement value
—
Less depreciation (indemnity cover)
Estimated 20-30% average depreciation
—
Less policy excess
—
Estimated claim payout
—
💡 Contents claim tips
—
Car insurance claim
Estimate your payout for an accident, theft or damage to your vehicle
Vehicle & claim details
Estimated payout
—
after excess
Repair / loss value
—
claimed
Total excess
—
inc. any extras
Write-off threshold
—
repair vs replace
Car claim breakdown
Repair estimate / vehicle value
—
Standard policy excess
—
Young driver excess
—
Estimated claim payout
—
💡 Car claim advice
—
Business insurance claim
Estimate your payout for property damage, theft or liability claims on your business
Business claim details
Estimated payout
—
after excess
Claim value
—
lodged amount
Excess payable
—
your contribution
Coverage ratio
—
of sum insured
Business claim breakdown
Estimated loss value
—
Less policy excess
—
Estimated claim payout
—
💡 Business claim advice
—
Insurance claims tips for Australians
Document everything immediately
Take photos and videos of all damage before any repairs or cleanup. Your insurer will need evidence of the damage. The more thorough your documentation, the smoother your claim process.
Notify your insurer promptly
Most policies require notification within a reasonable time of the loss event. Don't delay — contact your insurer or broker the same day where possible. Delayed notification can jeopardise your claim.
Know your excess
Your excess is the amount you pay first on any claim. If your repair cost is close to your excess, it may not be worth claiming — a claim on your record can increase your premium at renewal.
Check for underinsurance
If your sum insured is less than the actual rebuild or replacement cost, your insurer may reduce your payout proportionally. Review your coverage annually — building costs in Australia have risen significantly.
Dispute a decision
If you disagree with your insurer's decision, first use their internal dispute resolution process. If unresolved, complain to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) — free for consumers.
Read your PDS carefully
Your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) contains all inclusions, exclusions and conditions. Common exclusions include gradual damage, maintenance issues, and floods vs storm water. Know what you are and aren't covered for before you need it.
Free insurance and claims tips
Know your rights, maximise your claims and avoid underinsurance. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked questions
How are insurance claim payouts calculated in Australia?
Your payout is generally calculated as the repair or replacement cost, less your policy excess, less any underinsurance reduction. For contents, indemnity policies also deduct depreciation. Your insurer will assess the damage and apply your specific policy terms.
What is underinsurance and how does it affect my claim?
Underinsurance occurs when your sum insured is less than the actual cost to repair or replace. Many Australian home insurers apply an "averaging" clause — if you are insured for 80% of the rebuild cost, they may only pay 80% of your claim. It is estimated that up to 80% of Australian homes are underinsured.
Can I dispute an insurance claim decision in Australia?
Yes — if you disagree with your insurer's decision you must first use their internal dispute resolution process (they must respond within 30 days). If unresolved, you can lodge a free complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) at afca.org.au.
What is the difference between new for old and indemnity cover?
New for old replacement cover pays to replace your item with a new equivalent, regardless of the age of the damaged item. Indemnity cover pays the depreciated value — what the item was worth at the time of the loss, not what it costs to replace it new. New for old is generally preferable but costs more in premiums.
Will making a claim increase my premium?
Potentially yes — insurers in Australia can increase your premium at renewal after a claim. For smaller claims close to your excess, it may be worth paying out of pocket to protect your claims history. Ask your insurer before lodging a claim if you are unsure whether to proceed.